Tracy "TJ" Hefti

Cory Arcak served as Director of the MSC L.T. Jordan Institute for International Awareness at Texas A&M and as an Associate Director with the MSC Student Programs Office. With a background in anthropology, the arts, and education, she served the …

Today we welcome Joe Recio. He is originally from Houston, Texas, graduated in 2009 with a BA in Sociology from Sam Houston State. Originally, he had planned to go into teaching at the junior college level, but after grad school …

Clay Bryan grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. He has no relation to Bryan, Texas; has definitely checked. Proud husband and father. He joined the Air Force in 2005, spent 7+ year’s in Washington D.C. working for the Intelligence Community in …

Troubadour Festival is owned and produced by Double Tap Entertainment, LLC. Double Tap Entertainment is a boutique live entertainment company owned by East Texas natives Cody Johnson and Chase Colston, lifelong friends who have known each other since we were …

We are joined today by Dr. Frank B. Ashley III, Interim Dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. With the announcement of Dr. Ashley retiring, we thought we’d take the opportunity to do …

Ashley is an Assistant Director of Career Programming in Graduate Career Services at The Bush School. She is passionate about helping students develop and achieve their personal, educational, and professional goals through training and conversations. Outside of work, Ashley loves …

Crystal Riles is the Director of Community & Culture at the Bush School of Government & Public Service. She earned her B.A. in English from Texas A&M University, followed by her M.S. in Nonprofit Management from Our Lady of the …

Dr. Dwight Roblyer ‘84 is a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science and has taught over 17,000 young Aggies since 2013, working for their success here at TAMU and in their future professions and communities. He served for …

Julia Lawrence (she/hers) came to the Bush School in 2016, she currently serves as the Administrative Coordinator II for the International Affairs department at the Bush School. From coordinating events to approving degree plans, Julia works with the faculty and …

It is with great sadness that you join Sarah and TJ today, as they chat with Dr. Frank Ashley for the last time as Associate Dean of the Bush School. We're not saying it's the last last time he will …

Kassandra is a two time Ag, and one of those times happened to be at the Bush School. She loved the school so much she ended up getting a job there. When not working (or bringing her dog to spread …

Today Sarah & TJ sit down with the wonderful Bryan native and owner of Caffe Capri, Rami Cerone. What do you think the Bush's favorite dish was?

On site with Kantessa co-owner of D'vine Cuisine to chat with her about the venue, off site catering, and all things involved in the business offerings. Join Sarah & TJ to get the low down on this fabulous venue & …

Please join Sarah & TJ as they recap the 25th Anniversary of the Bush School of Government and Public Service events with Executive Associate Dean, singer, voice actor, and food connoisseur, Dr. Frank Ashley. Stay tuned for bonus laughs, you …

Dionna was a marketing intern here at The Annenberg Presidential Conference Center. She graduated with a degree in Telecommunication Media Studies and earned a Certificate in Strategic Communication. Dionna is from Dallas, Texas. She was the first employee to keep …

Angela Seaworth holds a Ph.D. in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy where she researched nonprofit governance and leadership, was a Graduate Fellow at the Tobias Center for Lea...

Sarah & TJ overview their on-site venue visits in Episode 1 of SEASON 5! Join them for lots of season 5 trip shenanigans... Why are they allowed in public?

Wendi Arant Kaspar is a Professor in International Affairs at Texas A&M University. She has a MLS from the University of Washington and a MS in Management from Texas A&M University. She teaches information-intensive and resea...

Danielle was an Event Assistant here at The Annenberg Presidential Conference Center. She graduated with a degree in Economics. She was born and raised in South Africa, but attended High School in Katy, TX. If you need a personal shopper, …

Hope was a marketing intern here at The Annenberg Presidential Conference Center. She graduated with a degree in University Studies. Hope was born and grew up in Plano, Texas. She is a free spirit and the best damn “coffee runner!”

Today, Sarah & TJ chat with Rosa V, owner of the gorgeous Reserve at Cottonwood Creek venue. Sitting on around 9 acres, they tour the grounds, venues, and vineyard and get the scoop on all the great events hosted and …

The research shows that you should join TJ & Sarah today as they round out chatting with the FINAL full-time staff member of the Center for Non Profit & Philanthropy... Nicole Collier!! Diagrams, graphs, chickens, and Bush School antics... join …

Whitney, owner of Downtown 202, chat with TJ & Sarah about the lovely event venue. From student org events to weddings to meetings this space can accommodate any event (within capacity of course)!

What do squirrels, Continental airline, the Bush School and a lawyer have in common? Professor Andrew Morriss! Come join TJ & Sarah as they adventure down the career path of Professor Morriss, from lawyer to Bush School professor and all …

Laura & Jason give Sarah & TJ the scoop on the amazing KinderHill Brew Lab; venue, catering, custom brews, dog birthday parties, music bingo and what's the deal with the plants?

Academic Advisors, Tamara Hitt & Catherine Vinson join Sarah & TJ to chat about the work they do contributing to the Office of Extended Education's growing student pool!

Chatting with Abi & Mo with Destination Bryan about renting the Sale Depot in Downtown Bryan. Join Sarah & TJ for catering, trains, cost, and Wi-Fi!

Bush School IT student technician, Brandon, schools Sarah & TJ on how printers actually work, how his tech journey began, and where he plans on going with it! The Bush School family really does have the best student workers.

The first couple to be interviewed on Espresso Shots, Denise & Jerry Parker! Learn about their amazing past and current works, and their obvious love of helping others.

Sarah & TJ chat with Lisa Brown today, DOCTOR Lisa Brown, Director of the Office of Extended Education. Join them as Dr. Brown explains her role, passion, and joys of working at the Bush School.

Help Sarah & TJ welcome their dear friend, colleague, and client Kelley Robbins; the Bush School's very own Unofficial Interim Assistant Dean of Tacos. Today Kelley takes them on the fabulous journey of her past up to today, her love …

Take 2! Today, Sarah & TJ chat with the PCC's very own Event Manager, Steven Sisk! They will get the run down of past & current work, future goals, and of course how much he enjoys his coworkers!

Today Coffee Talk hosts, Sarah & TJ, are interviewed by the APCC's 5 student workers/intern/basically family. Join them as Sofia, Ruth Ann, Jimmy, (other) Sarah, and Megan ask the questions, hear the tales of past, present, and future, as well …

Join TJ & Sarah as they fan girl over Dr. Leslie Ruyle's amazing work throughout the world (and laugh at TJ's inability to know acronyms or pronounce anything). Hang on tight as they are schooled in Leslie's passion for her …

Today, Sarah & TJ connect with Matt Upton, Assistant Dean of Diversity & Student Affairs at the Bush School. Hang out as they get a lesson in what exactly it means to be the Assistant Dean of Diversity & Student …

On this episode, Sarah & TJ chat with Bush School International Affairs student Will Watson as they find out what it's like in the life of a Bush School student, what the future holds, what stains, and who his favorite …

Join TJ & Sarah as they chat with their lovely student employee #girlboss Sofia Patino. Laughs, stories, work & school life... join in on the fun and go read up on all of Sofia's great research!

Today, Sarah & TJ get to chat with one of their very own! Jamie Burns has an extensive background within the music industry as well as in events! She shares her experiences of online ticket sales, scalpers, and what's new …

Dr. Kenny Taylor joins Espresso Shots today to tell Sarah & Tj all about the amazing things he has and is accomplishing within the Bush School. Please read up on his bio and listen on for laughs and lessons!

Today Sarah & TJ have the pleasure of hosting their new best friends, Abigail Noel and Morgan Key with Destination Bryan; Ready to get the break down of who they are, what they do, and what they're bringing to the …

Sit down with Sarah & TJ today as they chat with Brian Nakamura, a professor at the Bush School!

Today Sarah & TJ sit down with Morgan Meador the CSM of Cavalry Court & the George Hotels as she give them all of the event & venue offerings at BOTH hotels! Don't forget to stick around for the low …

Sit down with Sarah & TJ today as they chat with our student employee, Megan Kokenes as she shares all of her horror stories of working with them.

On today's episode, Sarah & TJ are joined by Tawyna Moehlman from the Rec Center at TAMU College Station, TX to chat about the different facilities and capabilities of hosting a PLETHORA of different events. From dance practice to banquets, …

Today Sarah & Tj sit down with Professor, Director, Ambassador Andrew Natsios of the Scowcroft Institute. Hang on tight because they cover everything from past careers to current world affairs to future predictions.

Join us as we pick the brain of Dr. Will Brown, Professor & Director of the Center of Non Profits & Philanthropy at the Bush School of Government & Public Service. We cover everything from who he really is to …

On today's episode, Sarah & TJ discuss what venues are doing to rejuvenate old ideas and altogether new inclusion options we should be seeing more of! A few corrections, so no one yells at us: "Pivoting" is NOT a Covid …

Sarah & TJ are back in action for our 4th season of Coffee Talk! Join them as they explore venues within the Bryan/College Station community. On Episode 1 of Season 4, TJ & Sarah recap the Catering & Vendor Showcase, …

In today's ep. 7, we cover everything from Academic advising to Disney and events to tattoos as we welcome our new favorite person: Melyssa Anne. <3 Army brat, Tex-European, self-proclaimed Disney freak, Melyssa-Anne Stricklin wants you to become an independent …

Today we chat with Program Manager of Events & Donor Relations: Brenden Chaney. Join us as he takes us on his journey of being in the private events sector to helping open the Bush School Teaching Site in the heart …

We found our new bestie. Today we interview Ashley Peacock, who was first met through an IAVM region 6 meeting, to find out about the mass amount of amazing things she has done and is doing! Work, family, leashed cats.. …

Join us for our FIRST onsite interview! Sorry for the glare!! Jessica Tucker, one of the owners of Rail & Rye, tells all in the journey of opening a rooftop bar during a pandemic, booking talent, drink menus, and so …

Episode 3! Join us today in our lively conversation with special guest, Holly Kasperbauer as she divulges all of the Bush School's secrets! Can we get a vote on Holly bringing all of her puppers over to the PCC? Doggie …

Episode 2! We interview Lieutenant General (retired) Jay Silveria; Executive Director of the Bush School D.C! We get the answers to all our questions from the future of the DC campus to favorite music styles. Join us in welcoming our …

Do you want to hear some more from TJ, Sarah, Dean Welsh, & Dr. Ashley? Here is a bonus clip from our latest recording of #coffee talk. They discuss a lot of random things and will keep you laughing for …

Welcome to Ep 1, Sn 3 of #COFFEETALK! TJ & Sarah are joined by two very special, very funny guests with us to discuss everything! From their time at the Bush School of Government & Public Service to who is …

On episode 7 of “Where Are They Now?," we catch up with Korrigan Roman. Korrigan was an event intern at the APCC in the fall of 2016. She, alongside her fellow interns, assisted in planning and executing a variety of …

On today’s episode 6 of “Where Are They Now?” We are catching up with Josh Harms. Josh Harms worked in the PCC from 2012-13 as an AV Technician, during the dark times of Sarah’s departure. He went on to work …

On episode 5 of “Where Are They Now?,” We are catching up with Maddie Short. Maddie is a former student employee of the PCC, currently serves as the chief operating officer at Wilems Resource Group (WRG), a boutique consulting firm …

On episode 4 of “Where Are They Now?” We are catching up with Victor Aguilar. Victor is a former Audiovisual Specialist of the PCC, currently residing in College Station, Texas. He is currently a Senior Video Network Specialist with Instructional …

On episode 8 of season 2, TJ & Sarah are joined by Andre Kilzer! Andrew founded Texas FilmWorks in 2016 after years of working in the Texas video & film production industry. Andrew loves many things, chief of which is …

Our special guests today are Kathryn Meyer, Director of Admissions/Recruitment and Ashlee Treadway, Assistant Director of Admissions at the Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M University. Kathryn has been with the Bush School for 19 years, …

On today’s episode 3 of “Where Are They Now?” We are catching up with Bryan Williams. Bryan currently residing in Aurora, CO. He is currently the Senior Director at Encore Global and is also the bass player in "Built To …

On episode 2 of “Where Are They Now?” We are catching up with Tammie Vineyard, formerly Tammie Morton. Tammie is a former Assistant Manager of the PCC, currently residing in Meridian, Texas. She’s been married to Richie since 2014. They …

Today we’ll be discussing events TJ and Sarah attended, specifically TJ will fill us in on the Chamber’s Crawfish Boil at the Brazos Center, Sarah will be discussing the MLS Houston Dynamo game that occurred at Ellis Field, a...

Welcome to the FIRST episode of Where are they now?! Coffee Talk edition! Today we catch up with Erica Cox, former student technician and keeper of hilarious Sarah stories! Help us welcome her...and convince her to move back!!

Today is a very special episode of Coffee Talk. We have the honor of welcoming a student of the Texas A&M University & The Bush School of Government & Public Service, President of the Bush School SGA, and an overall …

Today welcome a guest as we run down our experience at the Meeting Planners Showcase 2021, new vendors we encountered, and not being sponsored by Dr. Pepper or not getting free mimosas. From reptile exhibits to picking flower...

Today we update ya'll with reaction to the press release from TAMU football as well some information from SEC on CoVid protocols. We also venture into the music festival world with Chicago's Riot Fest that is still on the boo...

On Episode 2, find out what is happening with University events and listen to TJ & Sarah chat about virtual events, snacks, and who gets to decide what is "best" for "top" lists. SARAH & TJ CHAT ABOUT University event …

SEASON 2 EPISODE 1 SUMMARY Episode 1 of Season 2 of Coffee Talk!! I was going to tell a joke, but my kid said it was dumb...so Happy Wednesday! Today we are giving updates on the APCC facility, how the …

Season 2 of Coffee Talk with Sarah & TJ is coming soon. Visit https://bush.tamu.edu/apcc/coffeetalk/ to watch or listen to Season 1 episodes!

Today we review the year, the upcoming year, and have our FIRST Virtual guest!! Yay! Event terms have been compartmentalized... Virtual Experience is the new Virtual Event! Speaking of Virtual Experiences... Our expectations...

Welcome our guest, Rachael, who is a member of the Bush School Ambassador's Council! What is that you ask? What do they do? Who are they really? Ms. Rachael is here to answer all these questions!! Just kidding Take 2 …

Let me start by apologizing for the hot mess express over here! *Insert cone of shame* - In today's episode we discuss EVENT DESIGN and what is going on with interactive museums and some out of the box thinking that …

First 19 minutes - pre show 19:30 - Live show begins! Welcome to our first live show! Special guest Former Student/Lifetime Ag from Class of...we still don't know even after this episode. Todays topics include: How are clas...

Welcome back! Today it’s all about sports! What are some of these major/national leagues doing?! We will discuss the “bubble” and what all it entails. Is this something we can do for large scale events? Does anyone else have ...

It’s October.. So as we channel our inner creeper...Let’s play a game: Be on the lookout and count the #blondemoments.. and guess which words we are trying to vocalize! - “QUALITY OF LIFE” SARAH…geez - Today’s topics include ...

Confused about all the terminology being used in the Event Industry these days? ((Me too)). Today we are discussing, actually Sarah is educating, I, TJ, am just here to clarify amongst my confusing... "we" are discussing the ...

Welcome back my lovelies!! Special guest appearance part 2!!!! o.O We are ELATED to have this special guest join us today! Can you see it on our faces? We get the point of view on virtual teaching from a beloved …

Welcome y'all! First guest appearance on our show today!!! We are super excited to welcome our wonderful Marketing Intern to our show. (She is AMAZING, no poaching. Free agent Spring 2021) How are things going from the stud...

Are y'all excited?! We are pretty excited (ignore the tremendous amounts of sighs, it’s cloaked excitement!) Today’s topics consist of surviving the first week of classes in the Annenberg, catering, virtual networking and muc...

Welcome to our first ever Coffee Talk. ((By first I mean the first uploaded, quite a few blooper reels)) I am Tj an Event’s Coordinator at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center, joining me always is Sarah, the Director...